17 and 18 in one month

[Young love]

Hi I was wondering I turn 18 in one month and have a baby my parents are moving to Arkansas but I don't want move with them over there I have a boyfriend and want to move in with him but my parents want let me take my child are they allowed to do that what can I do

[ccsmod6]

re: 17 and 18 in one month

Hi Young Love:

Thanks for contacting the National Runaway Safeline. It sounds like you have a child and would like to remain in your current state with your child. We will try to address those two concerns separately. In most states, 18 is the age of majority as well as the legal age to move out. However in some states (even in certain counties and cities), minors can legally move out at the age of 17. If you decide to move out before the legal age in which you can, there is a possibly that you can get filed as a runaway. To determine if you can legally move out at 17, you can contact your local non emergency police hotline or a local legal aid organization (we can provide). As far as you being allowed to keep your child, you should be able to do so whether or not you decide to leave or stay. If a court has not ordered your child into your parents' care or made them the legal guardians of your child, generally you are still considered the legal guardian. Since we do not have a legal background, we are unable to give you a definitive answer. Laws vary based upon state. Here is a link that pertains to teen parents' rights: http://www.kidlaw.org/main.asp?uri=1...122&dt=0&chi=1. To get additional information for your state, you may try to search online for "teen parents' rights" in your state.

We hope the information provided helps. Remember we are available 24/7 and can be reached by dialing 1-800-RUNAWAY (786-2929). Our hotline is confidential, anonymous, and toll-free. We are always here to provide support, a listening ear, discuss options and provide resources. In addition to our hotline, you can receive live assistance via CHAT between 4:30pm and 11:30pm.

We would like to wish you the best and we hope to hear from you soon.

Take care
~NRS